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Relatively quite a few people in the United States are profoundly religious. People who pick you up might inquire about your religion. If you're not religious, try to deal with it in a positive way and accept the difference. More often you will be picked up by really cool people, and often dropped off exactly at the point of your destination, as hitchhiker [[User:Guaka|Guaka]]'s experience shows, for example. Detours for hitchhikers are much more common here than in Europe due to cheaper gas.__TOC__
=== Long Distance ===If you're going for speed over Many Americans have a long distance limited worldview. (3+ hoursI can say this because I am one.), then the best bet is to stay on We think there are two places in the interstates (designated on maps by "i-#"world: road signs appearing [http://hitchwiki.org/en/File:InterstateSign.svg#file like this]) instead of local highways. Try to stick to on-ramps that have truck stops, [[rest area|rest stops]] or any America and other reason for drivers to stop there (restaurants, [[petrol station hitchhiking|gas stations]], hotels, etcplaces.). State highways is also a good way to catch rides especially when Don't waste your destination time explaining that "American" is not very near to an interstate, Its easier incorrect demonym. And get used to hitch our senseless system of measurement. It's a ride on interstates as drivers are more relaxed and not going very fastpart of our culture.
Often times the best way to hitchhike is just to stay on high traffic ramps with Despite a large shoulders for people to pull over on. Getting dropped off on a low-traffic exit is number of immigrants all across the gravest danger when hitching on interstatescountry, especially where the police most Americans are unfriendly. It can easily lead to long, long delays. Identify still curious about people from different parts of the last truck stopworld, major intersection (with a non-freeway), or rest area before your driver's destinationfascinated by foreign accents, and get off there rather than risking getting stuckeager to introduce visitors to American culture. If you do get stuck on a low traffic ramp, you can try hitchhiking on Despite an undercurrent of xenophobia and racism in rural parts of the highway itself even if pedestrians are prohibited. There is a good chance you will get picked up before police see youcountry, and if they do they are just going Americans tend to give you have a warning and ask you to go back to the ramp or even give you a ride to the next one just to get rid pragmatic view towards foreigners: Americans might profoundly dislike your country of origin, but they will rarely hold that against you.as an individual.
Asking for rides at rest areasRelative to other Western countries, particularly on toll roads such as I-90 between [[Boston]] and [[Chicago]] is one of people in the quickest ways to get a very long distance ride, but soliciting and loitering is prohibited there and sometimes rural United States are profoundly religious. People who pick you will be kicked out before finding a rideup might inquire about your religion. A good way to avoid being kicked out is If you're not religious, try to greet everyone entering the building deal with it in a friendly smile positive way and give them accept the difference. Despite a friendly nodlevel of religious intolerance much higher than in Europe, then ask them for Americans tend to have a ride as they leave the building. This gives them time pragmatic approach to become comfortable with your presence and prevents them from having the opportunity people of unfamiliar religious backgrounds: Americans tend not to complain about judge you badly even if they might be suspicious of your solicitation to the employeesreligion.
You can also look for rides More often you will be picked up by really cool people, and often dropped off exactly at the truck stops or gas stations themselvespoint of your destination, but be discreet about it as with rest areas, some customers will complain and staff will make you leave the property. As a rule Lovehitchhiker [[User:Guaka|Guaka]]'sexperience shows, Petro, and TA truck stops will be the quickest to kick you out. Pilot/Flying J truck stops and smaller locally owned truck stops are generally a lot more lenient. You may even find signs that prohibit you from soliciting a ride, so caution is necessary like asking instead of showing them a sign to your destinationfor example.
=== Urban There are more than 250 million registered vehicles in the USA, the most of any country. Everyone has a car, and Suburban Short Distance ===If you gas is so cheap that people drive everywhere. As a result there are hitchhiking within a large metropolitan area lot of roads and trying highways. Sometimes you may need to get change your technique to another part of the city, accommodate unfamiliar infrastructure. Sometimes it is best can be hard to stay on the interstate on-ramps unless you want to do find a lot of walkingplace with slow traffic! Although traffic is heavy, hitchhiking is also hard because nobody trusts somebody with no car. Most larger cities have interstates passing through them and often (Why don't you have one or more spur or circumferential interstates surrounding them. These spur and circumferential interstates are designated by a three-digit highway number car? There must be something wrong with signs that you.) It would help to look just like normal blue interstate signs. When hitchhiking on these roads, it is best to accept every ride, even if they are only going a mileforeigner, but don't go so far as each exit you get to wave a foreign flag around. Hitchhiking is closer not as common as in Europe and Latin America, so expect to your destination and you are unlikely have to get stranded on any of these ramps due explain yourself, possibly to the amount of trafficpolice. (See the section on police below).
An alternate method to hitchhiking within urban areas is to walk up to cars stuck at red lights and ask them in person if you can have a ride in the direction they are going. This works best if they already have their window down, but usually people will roll their window down to talk to you if you stand in front of their car trying to get their attention.== Transportation system ==
Another way === Interstates ===[[File:2006-interstate-map.png|right|A map of the interstate system in 2006. ]]An 'interstate', also known as an '''expressway''', '''freeway''', or (confusingly) '''highway''', is to pay a small amount for public transportation large, multilane road that covers vast distances, and passes through major cities. If you aren't planning on going to drop the countryside, you off outside probably won't need to stray far from the city(check your map/GPS)interstate system.
You may also wish Interstates are designated on maps by "I-..." and have road signs [http://hitchwiki.org/en/File:InterstateSign.svg#file like this]. Even-numbered routes run from west to east and are numbered from south to north. For example, [[I-10]] runs across the south from [[L.A.]] to [[Jacksonville, FL]], and I-90 across the North from [[Seattle]] to try asking for rides at smaller local gas stations[[Boston]]. Likewise, but you are unlikely odd-numbered expressways start with [[I-5]] along the west coast (Seattle to L.A.) and I-95 along the east coast ([[Maine]] to make as much progress doing this[[Miami]]).
== Police/Laws ==[[File:Unitedstateslaws.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Overview of hitchhiking laws by state.<br> Green: Hitchhiking legal while on the shoulder of the road <br> Yellow: Hitchhiking legal while off the traveled portion of the roadThe main interstates have two or three numbers, stay as in the grass to be safeI-8 or I-76. <br> Red: Hitchhiking is completely illegal.<br> Gray: Specific laws Offshoots or ring roads will have a preceeding digit, for example, I-295, check the respective state article(s)which runs along I-95.]]
In most states itFor this same reason, be prepared to turn down a ride with someone who's illegal "just going to hitch from the next exit". Getting dropped off on a low-traffic exit is the gravest danger when hitching on interstates ([[highway|motorways]]) themselves (though enforcement . It can easily lead to long, long delays of a car every ten minutes and none of this rule varies), but them stopping. Eventually you can typically may give up and stand at [[on-ramp]]s (the highway entries)or walk a few miles to the next exit. That being said Since pedestrians are not allowed along interstates in most states, understand that the ramps are still technically considered interstate property and you are illegal for pedestrians likely to be onpicked up by a state trooper. In the best case, although it is almost without exception permitted if your ID will be check and you stand in front of may will be given a lift to the next exit. See the "no pedestrians" signsection on police.
In some areas (such as certain towns or municipal areas) hitching is illegal everywhereWhen making '''signs''' in the states, it best to use the two-letter state abbreviations, which are universally understood, notable exceptions being OK, howeverHI, it is still allowed de factoand LA. In most cases The first two could be confused for words, hitchhiking is legal or tolerated. There are also many limited-access highways the last (i.e. with on-ramps and [[off-rampLouisiana]]s) that are not part of the interstate system which prohibit pedestrians as well. could be confused with ([[CaliforniaLos Angeles]] is notorious for prohibiting pedestrians on many of its controlled access highways). Additionally:
Even in states where hitchhiking is illegal*"Philly" = [[Philadelphia]]*"D.C." = [[Washington, the law is rarely enforcedD.C.]]*"N.Y.C." = [[New York City]]*"S.F" = [[San Francisco]]*"L.A. Wyoming Highway Patrol reports that in 2010" = [[Los Angeles]]*"NOLA" = [[New Orleans]] (not universally understood, they approached 524 hitchhikers but only cited eight of them (note that hitchhiking is no longer illegal in Wyoming as of 2013!the South at least)
If the police pass you walking '''Asking for rides at rest areas or sitting by the side gas stations''', is often one of the road without soliciting in any way, they may still stop quickest ways to check IDsget a very long distance ride, but soliciting and loitering is might be prohibited there and sometimes you are not required will be kicked out before finding a ride. A good way to identify yourself unless there avoid being kicked out is suspicion that you could have committed to greet everyone entering the building with a friendly smile and give them a friendly nod, then ask them for a crimeride as they leave the building. You may wish This gives them time to hide become comfortable with your thumb or sign when a police car is approaching presence and prevents them from having the opportunity to complain about your solicitation to avoid being hassledthe employees.
Often'''Asking for rides at truck stops''' is the same way. As a rule, Love's, particularly close to major citiesPetro, the [[police]] and TA will ask you for photo ID, but as long as you have one with you (such as a passport) there shouldn't be a problem. Most of the time they will be polite when quickest to kick you come up clean, out. Pilot/Flying J truck stops and not too rarely they'll give smaller locally owned truck stops are generally a lot more lenient. You may even find signs that prohibit you from soliciting a lift out ride, so caution is necessary like asking instead of their area showing them a sign to get rid of youyour destination.
Especially in smaller towns and in the countryside=== US/State Highways ===If you are only going a hundred miles or less, you can often make better time on US highways, state highways, or even local roads. Even if you are going long distances, if you aren't concerned about making good time, getting off the officer stopping interstates can be a very rewarding experience. Local highways will grant you a better picture of what local life is likely to never have seen like in that area, and typically offer a passport beforegreater variety of drivers and scenery. If that's your form To hitchhike on these highways, it is best to stand at the edge of IDtown right before the speed limit picks up, bear with even walking on the highways also helps as shoulders most of the delay causedway are pretty wide. Standing at stop lights outside of towns along these highways is also a great way to catch a ride, help even if the poor guy out by point out which speed limit is your name and your birth date and enjoy the confusion and the hilarious misconceptions that arisequite high.
Tourists who intend === Urban and Suburban Short Distance ===If you are hitchhiking within a large metropolitan area and trying to cross into get to another part of the USA by hitchhiking should note that city, it is best to stay on the US immigration department will log that interstate on-ramps unless you want to do a lot of walking. Most larger cities have interstates passing through them and often have been one or more spur or circumferential interstates surrounding them. These spur and circumferential interstates are designated by a three-digit highway number with signs that look just like normal blue interstate signs. When hitchhikingon these roads, should it is best to accept every ride, even if they discover that are only going a mile, as each exit you get to is closer to your destination and you are. This log will be visible unlikely to get stranded on any guard who subsequently checks your immigration status. If you decide of these ramps due to leave and enter the USA again, it may make your entry back into the USA more difficult if it is not a hitchhiker friendly stateamount of traffic.
=== Ignorant Police Officers ===An alternate method to hitchhiking within urban areas is to walk up to cars stuck at red lights and ask them in person if you can have a ride in the direction they are going. This works best if they already have their window down, but usually people will roll their window down to talk to you if you stand in front of their car trying to get their attention.
Being in a state which permits hitchhiking does not guarantee that the police will not harass you. Most police don't know the laws and will tell you it Another way is illegal to hitchhike in that state. [[User:Thewindandrain|Thewindandrain]] argues with cops on pay a regular basis and refuses to stop hitchhiking where it is legal. He has been innocently arrested small amount for this twice, but has remained confident and never been taken to jail even after being cuffed and in the car and continuing to stand up for his rights. They are usually bluffing right public transportation to drop you off outside the very endcity(check your map/GPS). If you know the law in that state, don't be afraid to tell the police they are wrong!
Frequently when confronted with your responseYou may also wish to try asking for rides at smaller local gas stations, law enforcement officers will react unprofessionally and occasionally aggressively and even in a discriminatory way if you are not their race(its occasional but as long as you are prepared and confident you would be fine). They may call you names or threaten unlikely to arrest you if they see you hitchhiking again and then leave the scene. This is usually a bluff. They may even cuff you then give you a ride out of their jurisdiction. Occasionally they may admit to their mistake and leave you alone. If you are uncomfortable and feel threatened by the officer, you may request to speak to his/her supervisor. Supervisors will show up to talk with you about the law openly and professionallymake as much progress doing this.
Every state issues its own specific car plates. For example, a car from Alabama will have be specifically == Police/Laws ==[[httpFile://enUnitedstateslaws.wikipediajpg|thumb|400px|right|Overview of hitchhiking laws by state.org/wiki/License_plates_of_the_United_States Car license] tagged as such. In some States, <br> Green: Hitchhiking legal while on the shoulder of the license plate will also show road <br> Yellow: Hitchhiking legal while off the county traveled portion of residence. This can be helpful if you spot a car that might be going the road, stay in the same direction as yougrass to be safe. <br> Red: Hitchhiking is completely illegal. It might also be helpful to write down <br> Gray: Specific laws, check the license plate number in case of foul playrespective state article(s).]]
== Food ==The legal status of hitchhiking in the United States is a bit of a difficult topic; laws and their enforcement differ greatly from state to state as does the information available online and in general knowledge. Many people (including police officers) mistakenly believe hitchhiking is illegal anywhere in the US; sometimes you'll get away with holding a cardboard sign but not with holding out your thumb, and sometimes nobody will hassle you even if you stand or walk right on the interstate. The specific articles on states will give you more information on this topic.
''' Eat: '''=== Police ===
If you Many police in this country have arrest quotas, not to mention many police (not all!) are friendlyassholes. That being said, people you may encounter an officer of the law who pick you up will offer to buy is a rather enthusiastic about giving you food quite a lothard time. Additionally, a lot of people will throw you some bucks to eat and Keep in mind that even give you shelter if its late at night. From change up to $100. An anonymous hitchhiker has been given $100 dollars twiceforeigners have rights, and they have been given $60 dollars several times such as has [[User:Zenit|Zenit]]... If you are looking for monetary gifts, the key is the right type of answer when they ask, concernedly, what you do to eat - "Naw, we're pretty much all right, we got *some* moneyrefuse being searched." (emphasizing For good information about dealing with the "some" slightly)- if they've asked this question and you answer this way you'll basically always get a friendly handout - for which you should thank them profuselypolice, of course. :)[check out [File:ChaelUSwalkingflexyourrights.jpg|thumb|350px|[[User:Chael777|Chael]org]<small><sup>[http://www.velabas.com/ site]</sup></small> crossing a bridge in Oregon, August 2009]]
For vegetarians Being in a state which permits hitchhiking does not guarantee that the police will not harass you. Most police don't know the laws and especially for vegans traveling between cities, times can be hardwill tell you it is illegal to hitchhike in that state. [[User:ZenitThewindandrain|ZenitThewindandrain]] argues with cops on a regular basis and refuses to stop hitchhiking where it is legal. He has been innocently arrested for one this twice, but has sustained himself mostly on chips remained confident and never been taken to jail even after being cuffed and granola bars for weeks at a time in the Mid West, however if you car and continuing to stand up for his rights. They are looking in usually bluffing right places to the very end. If you can always find vegan food like cheese and bean burritosknow the law in that state, biscuit, cheese pizza etc. You can even ask restaurants don't be afraid to remove tell the meat part from the meal, police they are wrong!
Once you open Frequently when confronted with your mind to itresponse, there are actually many opportunities for dumpster diving law enforcement officers will react unprofessionally and occasionally aggressively and even in urban areas. Port cities a discriminatory way if you are especially goodnot their race (sad but true: white people will have an easier time than blacks or latinos). NoteThey may curse, however that dumpster diving call you names, and/or threaten to arrest you if they see you hitchhiking again and then leave the scene. This is in usually a bluff. They may even cuff you then give you a similar sort ride out of gray area as hitchhikingtheir jurisdiction. Occasionally they may admit to their mistake and leave you alone. If you are uncomfortable and feel threatened by the officer, you may request to speak to his/her supervisor. Supervisors will show up to talk with local legality depending on you about the particular state's laws, law openly and the prevalent attitudes of local law enforcement officersprofessionally.
Grocery stores and gas station=== National laws ===The only nationwide law (with fast foodCode of Federal Regulations)are prime targets for food ([[that prohibits hitchhiking is 36 CFR 4.31 which states that hitchhiking is illegal on any property under jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior:trash:Trader Joe's|Trader Joe's]] or Starbucks are especially likely National Park Service. This includes but is not limited to have an unlocked dumpsterNational Parks, National Scenic Byways, and has lots National Recreation Areas. This law is often amended to allow hitchhiking at the discretion of organics)each park. Grocery stores cannot sell packaged foods past their expiration date, and so throw them away still wrapped in dumpsters behind Check with the store.park's respective state article for information
Another great place === State and local laws ===Look to dive is food distribution centersthe map pictured above which indicates each state's laws. As they supply restaurantsMost often, their food comes the laws state that the hitchhiker may not "solicit a ride" "on a roadway". The word roadway is usually defined in bulk and they throw out their food sometimes days before state statute books as "exclusive of a shoulder" or "the expiration date. Google Maps can help you turn up locations. ''Check Trashwiki for detailed information on [[:trash:United States traveled portion of America|dumpster diving in the United States]]highway", making these statutes easy to circumvent.''
== Hitchhiking Books ==In some areas (such as certain towns or municipal areas) hitching is illegal everywhere, however, it is still allowed de facto. In most cases, hitchhiking is legal or tolerated. There are also many limited-access highways (i.e. with on-ramps and [[off-ramp]]s) that are not part of the interstate system which prohibit pedestrians as well. [[California]] is notorious for prohibiting pedestrians on many of its controlled access highways.
Rather than a genre of its ownEven in states where hitchhiking is illegal, hitchhiking books probably fit better the law is rarely enforced. Wyoming Highway Patrol reports that in a genre 2010, they approached 524 hitchhikers but only cited eight of alternative travel books, with Jack Kerouac’s On The Road, Bill Bryson’s A Walk them (note that hitchhiking is no longer illegal in the Woods and Robert Pirsig’s Zen and the Art Wyoming as of Motorcycle Maintenance.2013!)
To that list If the police pass you walking or sitting by the side of fun and funny and moving and important booksthe road without soliciting in any way, we should add Colin Flaherty’s Redwood they may still stop to Deadwoodcheck IDs, but you are not required to identify yourself unless there is suspicion that you could have committed a 53-year old dude hitchhikes across Americacrime. AgainYou may wish to hide your thumb or sign when a police car is approaching to avoid being hassled.
Redwood Often, particularly close to Deadwood describes Flaherty’s hitchhiking trip across Americamajor cities, the [[police]] will ask you for photo ID, but as long as you have one with you (such as a passport) there shouldn't be a problem. Most of the time they will be polite when you come up clean, and not too rarely they'll give you a lift out of their area to get rid of you.
"''Before I tucked my thumb Especially in smaller towns and in for the final timecountryside, Ithe officer stopping you is likely to never have seen a passport before. If that'd run s your form of ID, bear with wild horses. Visit a pot farm. Hunt big game. Poach big game. Get the delay caused, help the poor guy out by a police helicopter. Get info family feuds. Ride in cop cars. Reconnect with old friends. Make new ones. Get tired point out which is your name and exhilarated. Lost your birth date and found. Kicked out enjoy the confusion and invited in''the hilarious misconceptions that arise."
"I know how Tourists who intend to cook muskrat, squiirrel and rockchuck. And oh yea, I almost got killed.” Book reviewer Janet Jay said cross into the book is [“the best USA by hitchhiking I should note that the US immigration department will log that you have ever read or even heard aboutbeen hitchhiking, should they discover that you are. My friend heard about it when she was sitting next This log will be visible to a guy on an airplane any guard who was reading itsubsequently checks your immigration status. He was laughing out loud. So she asked about If you decide to leave and enter the USA again, it. He said that was how he heard about may make your entry back into the USA more difficult if it too. So books hitchhike as well as peopleis not a hitchhiker friendly state.”]
* Analyses of hitchhiking in the USA by [http[User:Korn|Korn]] on warmroads.de [https://thebplot.wordpresswarmroads.com/2011/09de/29en/6249hitchhiking-in-19-the-usa/]* {http://www.RedwoodtoDeadwoodbook- Hitchhiking in the USA.com]
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|currency = American Dollar ($)
|BW = US
|map= <map lat='39.44525647027036' lng='-98.6623687744132' zoom='3' view='0' />
|hitch = <rating country='us' />
}}
:'''''For specific information on each state please check the links at the bottom of this page.'''''
[[File:Kasper-hitch-nh.jpg|thumb|250px|[[User:guaka|guaka]]<small><sup>[http://guaka.org/ site], [[User talk:guaka|wikitalk]]</sup></small> hitching in New England, taken by [[User:Amylin|amylin]], September 2007]]
'''The United States of America''' as , commonly called '''The U.S.A.''', or simply '''America''' is a country is divided up into consisting of 50 states; for . For the convenience of the common hitchhiker , these states are discussed in detail along with their capitals at the following in their individual pages (see below). The US is bordered by [[Canada]] to the North north and [[Mexico]] to the Southsouth.
Hitching, like everything else in America, varies greatly depending on what type of area and what part of the country you are passing through. In general you can get rides fairly easily if you hitchhike the right way; in fact, often you can find more than just rides, such as offers for free meals, invitations to homes and parties, etc.
== Methods for catching rides Culture ==
=== Short Distance Cars ===If you are only going a hundred miles, you can often make better time on US highways, state highways or local roads. Even if you are going long distances, if you aren:''t concerned about making good timeDriving in the United States is similar to driving in Canada, getting off the interstates can be a but very rewarding experiencedifferent from driving in Europe. Local highways will grant you a better picture of what local life It is like in that areanot uncommon for Americans to drive more than an hour each way to work, and typically offer a greater variety 77 percent of drivers and sceneryAmericans drive alone to their jobs... To hitchhike on these highways, it is best Most states allow people to stand at drive unaccompanied once they have reached the edge age of town right before the speed limit picks up, even walking on the highways also helps as shoulders most of the way are pretty wide16.'' -[https://en.wikipedia. Standing at stop lights outside of towns along these highways is also a great way to catch a ride, even if org/wiki/Driving_in_the_United_States Wikipedia: Driving in the speed limit is quite high.United States]
=== Overview License plates ===The legal status of hitchhiking in the United States is a bit of a difficult topic; laws and their enforcement differ greatly from Every state to state as does the information available online issues its own specific car plates, and in general knowledgemost states have several different styles. Many people (including police officers) mistakenly believe hitchhiking is illegal anywhere in In some states, the US; sometimes you'll get away with holding a cardboard sign but not with holding out your thumb, and sometimes nobody license plate will hassle you even also show the county of residence. This can be helpful if you stand or walk right on spot a car that might be going in the interstatesame direction as you. The specific articles on states will give you more information on this topicIt might also be helpful to write down the license plate number in case of foul play.
=== Nationwide =Methods for catching rides ==The only nationwide law If you're going for speed over a long distance (Code of Federal Regulations3+ hours) that prohibits hitchhiking , then the best bet is 36 CFR 4.31 which states that hitchhiking is illegal to stay on any property under jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior: National Park Serviceinterstates. This includes but is not limited to National Parks, National Scenic Byways, and National Recreation Areas Highways are better for shorter or more senic trips. This law is often amended to allow hitchhiking at the discretion of each park. Check with the park's respective state article for information
=== State and Local Interstates ===Look '''Thumbing it on on-ramps''' is sometimes the best way to hitchhike the map pictured above which indicates each state's lawsinterstates. Most often, Standing along the laws state that the hitchhiker may not "solicit shoulder with a ride" "on thumb or sign can take a roadway"few hours so bring something to read. The word roadway is usually defined in state statute books as "exclusive of a shoulder" Try to stick to exits that large towns, truck stops, [[rest area|rest stops]] or "the traveled portion of the highway"any other reason for drivers to stop there (restaurants, [[petrol station hitchhiking|gas stations]], hotels, making these statutes easy etc.). Ask a driver to circumventdrop you off at on on-ramp with plenty of traffic.
== Car License Plate =Getting out of big cities ===You may find yourself in very sprawled out cities like LA or Phoenix, then try your luck on Craigslist! I (http://hitchwiki.org/en/User:Nora) crossed the US and found a few rides on Craiglist, messaging people who offer rides and asking if they would take me for free. Probably works best as a foreigner and a girl, but is worth a try. And maybe you can 'pay' in stories or music!
In most states it''' Drink: '''It is often possible s illegal to retrieve used cups hitch from the trash interstates ([[highway|motorways]]) themselves (though enforcement of this rule varies), but you can typically stand at fast food restaurants with "free refill" policies [[on-ramp]]s (highway entries). That being said, understand that the ramps are still technically considered interstate property and refill them. Otherwiseare illegal for pedestrians to be on, American water although it is just as free and healthy as any other country almost without exception permitted if you stand in front of the world"no pedestrians" sign.
== Personal Experiences ==
''Have hitchhiked moderately in US, about 9,000 miles(including ferries and train hopping). Its a diverse country so generalizing a state or even a county(as I have been picked up in the most conservative counties) would not be right. I have been picked up by really awesome people(some of them are now my friends), Friendly cops(who offered me water and money) to discriminatory cops(who just wanted to get rid of me), people who turned out to be gay(asked sexual favors), bored people looking for a good conversation(what you have to do is just listen and and ask question to acknowledge that you are listening), people who saw me as a curious and tired foreigner etc. It was a great experience and helped me learn a lot about the culture here. One thing I learned is that if you are having fun then you get picked up easily as compared to when you are not. My personal favorite states are [[Alaska]] and [[Missouri]].'' - [[User:Keep_trying|Tarun]]
''I have hitchhiked over 70200,000 miles in 50 states of the United StatesUS, been through every state19 states of Mexico, and while I have nothing to compare it to other than 8 provinces of Canada, I would say in general that it is easy and fun to hitchhike herein all those countries but some of the most difficult places are in America. Each state varies greatly in geography and ease of hitchhiking. In the south, for example it is easier to hop freight trains since the hitching is so difficult. My personal favorite states for travelers are [[Colorado]], [[California]], [[New Mexico]], [[Oregon]], and [[Arkansas]]. I have hitched alone, and with numbers of other people. Hitchhiking with two people or large equipment like a bicycle or kayak seems to give shortest waits. I would rank hitchhiking as a slightly more risky activity than cycle touring on windy highways with no shoulder. These days I prefer to ride freight trains and motorized bicycles, and I recommend you do the same.'' [[User:Thewindandrain|Thewindandrain]] ([[User talk:Thewindandrain|talk]]) 04:42, 28 October 2012 (CET) ''I hitchhiked from Panama to the US, intending to go through the whole of the US by hitchhiking with my little brother. I cannot recommend to hitchhike in pairs. It takes _days_ to find rides. We looked like regular guys, did 20k+ miles in more than 10 countries. If you do it, do it alone.'' Summer '14 ''I crossed the US from Boston to San Francisco the southern way. The north east is tough, prepare for some waits and looks as if you were not worth anyone's attention. Luckily it gets better soon! Texas was the best state for me, lots of rides even from women, and basically no waites. Also California is pretty good to hitchhike, though more tourists. To all girls - it's definitely safe enough in my opinion, though I was asked for sex a few times by people not understanding hitchhiking much. And in general - for me waites for longer than in Europe (when alone I have to hardly wait longer than 10 minutes ever), but still the longest wait during the whole trip were ~2 hours at a bad spot. [[user:Nora]]''
== Links ==
[[trash:United States of America]]
[[nomad:United States]]
[[Category:United States| ]]
